Media Releases
North East Link “lawyering up” for EES panel hearings under fire
In Parliament I have asked that the Minister for Planning, who will ultimately sign the project approvals, to assure the public that the North East Link panel hearings will be fair and transparent and that the “lawyering up” by the project managers won’t hijack the process and disadvantage the pub…
Read MoreGaps highlighted in North East Link plans
Traffic, job losses, noise, poor amenity and environment impacts are among the many issues raised by stakeholders in submissions to the main approval process for the North East Link Toll road.
Upper House MP Rod Barton, whose Eastern Metro electorate is hardest hit by the $16 billion project, says…
Read MoreSpotlight firmly on hidden homelessness in Victoria
A full investigation into the causes of and measures needed to combat the hidden problem of homelessness will be undertaken in Victoria. Eastern Metropolitan Melbourne member Rod Barton presented a motion today calling for independent analysis of the changing scale and nature of homelessness across…
Read MoreExpansion of free tram zone and free transport for students and seniors
Extending the free tram zone to include Melbourne’s inner city hospitals, universities, sport and arts precincts came a step closer today with a motion from Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton passed in the Legislative Council.
Read MoreTaxi Regulator to be swallowed by Department of Transport
The former Taxi Services Commission will be swallowed by the State Government’s mega Department of Transport when it comes into operation at the beginning of July.
Read MoreTouting offences back on the table
Penalties for touting are back on table following a huge increase in complaints about drivers approaching people at Melbourne Airport, major events and on Melbourne’s city streets. Industry stakeholders will be consulted on options for managing touting, including reintroducing touting offences after…
Read MoreHeartbroken industry encouraged to speak out
Heartbreaking tales of financial and personal ruin have been flooding into the office of Eastern Metropolitan MP Rod Barton after he called on the taxi and hire car industry to tell their stories to the Parliamentary Inquiry on the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Reforms.
Read MoreInclude Rapid Transit Busway in early works
A high speed rapid transit busway proposed in the North East Link preliminary designs must be included in early works according to Transport Matters Party leader and member for Eastern Metropolitan Rod Barton.
Read MoreSmart planning could save 300-year-old redgum
A fierce debate over the removal of a 300-year-old redgum to make way for a tollway on-ramp has highlighted the need for smarter infrastructure planning. State Member for Eastern Metro Rod Barton, whose electorate traverses the site of the proposed toll road, says the rush to deliver the $15.8 billion…
Read MoreContinue support to keep women speaking out
Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton has called on the Government to continue its support of the Speaking Out program which faces an uncertain future when its funding runs out at the end of June.
Read MoreUber Class Action launched today
What began with two struggling hire car drivers has resulted in a new political party, a representative in the Victorian Parliament, and more than 6000 people being represented in Australia’s largest ever class action.
Read MoreUnfinished business in play for taxi and hire car industry
Dealing with unfinished business of the taxi and hire car industry has been the top priority for Transport Matters party leader Rod Barton during the first quarter of his term in Victoria’s Legislative Council.
Read MoreResidents encouraged to make submissions on North East Link
Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton is encouraging residents and businesses affected by the North East Link development to take advantage of the public information and submissions process.
Read MoreFive star ANCAP vehicle safety ratings should be a minimum standard for all CPVs
“Safety is not a game. This is not about winning the race to offer the cheapest rides or destroy an incumbent industry. This is about who is taking you home at night; who is taking your daughter or son home? Is it safe?”
Read MoreBarton proposes easy fix for MCG drop offs
A new transport management solution is needed to cope with an influx of commercial passenger vehicles (CPV) on event days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground according to Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton.
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